# Does Arai make a modular helmet?

Source: https://lidandvisor.com/blog/does-arai-make-a-modular-helmet
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Lid & Visor

**Short answer:** No. Arai does not sell a modular (flip-up) motorcycle helmet. The company builds full face, adventure and open face helmets, and it has long said that a hinged chin bar conflicts with its focus on a strong, smooth, one-piece shell. If you want a flip-up from a premium brand, look at models like the Shoei Neotec 3, Schuberth C5 or HJC RPHA 91.

Arai fans who move to touring often ask the same question: is there an Arai modular? The short answer is no, and that is a deliberate choice rather than a gap in the range. This page explains why Arai has stayed away from flip-up chin bars, what Arai offers that comes closest for touring riders, and which modular helmets from other premium brands are worth a look if a flip-up is what you really need.

## Arai's lineup without a modular

Arai's current street range is built around full face helmets such as the Corsair-X, Regent-X, Signet-X and Quantum-X, the XD-5 adventure helmet, and open face models like the Classic-V. There is no flip-up model in the line. That has been true for decades, while most other premium brands added modular helmets.

If you see a listing that calls an Arai helmet modular, check the details. It is usually a mislabel, or it refers to a removable peak or face shield system rather than a hinged chin bar. Our guide to the [best Arai helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-arai-helmets) covers the current models.

[See Arai's lineup](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-arai-helmets)

## Why Arai stays away from flip-up chin bars

Arai's design philosophy centers on a strong, rounded, smooth shell. The company argues that a smooth shape helps a helmet glance off surfaces in a crash instead of catching, and that every opening or seam in the shell is a potential weak point. A modular chin bar needs hinges, a latch and a split in the shell, which runs against both ideas.

A hinge also adds weight and mechanical parts that need to stay in good working order. Arai has preferred to put its effort into one-piece shells. That is a company position, not proof that every modular is unsafe. Well-made modular helmets pass the same DOT and ECE tests, and ECE 22.06 tests modular chin bars in their approved positions. See [ECE 22.06 explained](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/ece-22-06-explained) for how that works.

Note: If you choose a modular, check the label for its approval. Some modulars are approved only with the chin bar closed while riding.

## The closest Arai options for touring

If you love the Arai fit but want touring comfort, look at the Arai models built for long days. Arai's sport touring full face helmets have generous ventilation and a wide eye port, and the XD-5 adventure helmet can be ridden with or without its peak. Neither lifts like a modular, but both suit long rides.

Glasses wearers often pick modulars for the easy on and off. Many full face helmets now have eyeglass channels, so try your glasses in a full face before deciding you need a flip-up. Our guide to [motorcycle helmets with glasses](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/motorcycle-helmets-with-glasses) explains what to look for.

## Modular helmets to consider instead

If a flip-up is a must, several premium brands make well-regarded modular helmets. The Shoei Neotec 3 and Schuberth C5 are touring favorites with built-in sun visors and intercom options. The HJC RPHA 91 is a lighter premium option, and the Bell SRT Modular and Scorpion EXO GT930 are lower priced alternatives. Each brand has its own fit, so check head shape before buying.

Our [best modular motorcycle helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-modular-motorcycle-helmets) guide compares these models, and the [Shoei Neotec 3 vs Schuberth C5](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/shoei-neotec-3-vs-schuberth-c5) comparison goes deeper on the two touring leaders.

| What you want | Where to look |
| --- | --- |
| Arai fit, full face touring | Arai sport touring full face models |
| Adventure riding | Arai XD-5 |
| Premium modular | Shoei Neotec 3, Schuberth C5, HJC RPHA 91 |
| Lower priced modular | Bell SRT Modular, Scorpion EXO GT930 |

Arai alternatives by need

[Compare modular helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-modular-motorcycle-helmets)

## Full face or modular: how to decide

Choose a modular if you stop often, talk at fuel stops, wear glasses and struggle with full face helmets, or ride with a passenger you chat with at lights. Choose a full face if you want the lowest weight and the fewest moving parts, ride at high speed often, or simply prefer the Arai fit.

Think about noise and weight too. The hinge and latch add some weight, and the seam between chin bar and shell can add a little wind noise on some models, though good modulars seal well. If you ride long highway days, read our guide to [motorcycle helmet wind noise](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-wind-noise) and check the [quietest helmets for touring](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-quiet-motorcycle-helmets).

Weigh the fit first. A modular that fits poorly is worse than a full face that fits well. If you are long oval, Arai's Signet-X may suit you better than most modulars, which are commonly intermediate oval. Our [full face vs modular helmet](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/full-face-vs-modular-helmet) article lays out the tradeoffs in more detail, and [motorcycle helmet head shapes](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-head-shapes) helps you work out your fit.

## Frequently asked questions

**Has Arai ever made a modular helmet?** Arai has not offered a modular flip-up helmet in its street lineup. Its range has stayed with full face, adventure and open face designs.

**Are modular helmets less safe than full face?** Not necessarily. Good modulars pass DOT and ECE tests. They add a hinge and weight, so compare certifications and fit for each model.

**Which modular fits like an Arai?** Fit varies by model. Many modulars are intermediate oval, like most Arai helmets. Try them on, and check our [best modular helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-modular-motorcycle-helmets) fit notes.

**Does Arai make an open face helmet?** Yes. The Classic-V is an open face model, listed in our [best open face helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-open-face-motorcycle-helmets) guide.

## Gear guides for this topic

- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-arai-helmets
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-modular-motorcycle-helmets
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-shoei-helmets